Joshua 2:1
And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there. And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim to view the land, even Jericho. Jericho was a large, fortified city standing directly in Israel's way, which made the scouting mission dangerous. The men were sent secretly so that opposing forces would not be alerted and strengthen themselves against Israel.
The verse introduces Rahab, a Canaanite woman in Jericho in whose house the spies lodged. Despite the danger, the spies returned safely with encouraging news that the inhabitants of Jericho were afraid because they had heard how God brought Israel through the Red Sea and defeated Sihon and Og. That fear showed that they recognized the Lord as God over heaven and earth.
Rahab's example shows that people from the nations could turn from idolatry to worship the true God and join His chosen people. Israel's witness and the gospel invitation were meant to draw people like her to God. The secret sending also illustrates the value of acting cautiously and keeping plans quiet when publicity could provoke opposition and hinder the work.